GAME REPORT

Sparta&K Hammer VICI Aistes

VICI Aistes upset Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje in the opening week of the EuroLeague Women but they couldn't pull off a repeat performance in Russia on Wednesday.

Led by the towering presence of Lauren Jackson, the four-time defending champions delivered a first-half knockout and won 85-52 over the Kaunas team.

Australia international Jackson had 28 points and 14 rebounds and also swatted two shots while teammate Epifaniya Prints added 21 points and six assists and also came up with six steals.

Sparta&K jumped out to a 23-14 lead and extended that to 45-22 by half-time.

Jackson connected twice from behind the arc as the Russians stormed into an 8-3 lead.

She finished with nine of her team's points in the opening frame.

With the Lithuanian club trying to stay in touch and trailing 29-17 midway through the second quarter, Jackson hit them with a three-point play.

She added another three-point play after being hit by Lina Pikciute while making a jump shot.

VICI Aistes endured an almighty struggle from long range, making just one of 17 while Sparta&K finished eight of 15 (53.3%).

The star of the show for VICI Aistes in their win over Sparta&K, Ausra Bimbaite, finished with 12 points on Wednesday.

Pokey Chatman's squad improved to 4-2 in Group C while VICI Aistes slumped to 1-5.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Sparta&K M. R. Vidnoje vs. VICI Aistes

SPARTA&K M.R. VIDNOJE Head Coach Pokey Chatman:"This was another great contribution from our scouting defense. What was pleasant was the fact that we shot well, especially Piph and Lauren and that our players dished a lot of assists."

Sparta&K Player Noelle Kuin:"We played hard on both ends of the court and I was especially happy with our team effort and spirit. We are getting our game together and I really hope that we will continue playing this way."

VICI KAUNAS Head Coach Mantas Sernius:"We were not able to stop their transition game and that allowed them to score too many transition points. At the same time we played especially bad defense on Lauren Jackson and Prints."

Kaunas Player Giedre Pauagite:"It was not our day. We did not stop their fast break and in general we did not listen to our coach. After all it is almost impossible to beat this team two times in one season."